I remember as a child, heading to the fair.  But my fair was probably a lot different from the average american county fair.  I live in southern california and though southern is in that name, there is nothing southern about our fairs.  They may try to add all sorts of greasy, strange food and contests, but L.A. and Orange county fairs are just a place with overpriced carnival rides, crazy overly fried foods and that’s about it.  But fairs can be a really fun place to take the family and enjoy a bit of your local area.  You get to watch shows, make crafts, ride the rides, explore exhibits, witness baking contests and eat eat eat!  If there is a great County or State Fair out there, I know people will travel pretty far distances to get there.  Here are a few Fairs that will be going on this summer and what a great way to spend a day with your family and experience tradition!  Since, I’m from Orange County, CA I will start there.

Orange County Fair and Exposition, CA

The Orange Country Fair is always during the summer and usually runs between the middle of July to the beginning of August.  This years fair started on July 16th and will end August 15th.  They will be showcasing a Demolition Derby, a Rodeo and of course the Carnival at the O.C. Fairgrounds in Costa Mesa. They will also have concerts almost every night with the likes of Adam Lambert from American Idol, Martina McBride and Trace Atkins performing. This year sounds like fun!

Arapahoe County Fair, CO

This fair’s theme is Barnyard Boogie which already makes me want to put on my cowboy boots!  Admission will include full access to all concerts, rodeos, a demolition derby, livestock shows, petting zoo, youth mutton bustin and more. It’s the best bargain around for a wristband with unlimited carnival rides. Already this is different than my home fair.  The fair will be held from July 21-July 25 in Aurora.

Clearwater County Fair, ID

When looking into Idaho fairs, I couldn’t believe what I was reading.  Some of these fairs are like, real fairs!  Sorry folks, remember I’m a SoCal girl and things like prairie dog contests, bed races and 4-H juggling are wild ideas to me! But at the Clearwater Fair you will enjoy events that include parades, auctions, evening dances, horse pull, food booths, a carnival and of course exhibit judging.  This Fair is also going to be conjunction with Orofino Lumberjack Days.  It’s held on August 4-8 in Orofino and admission is free.  I’m noticing that most fairs are free or at least parking is free….. what is wrong with L.A.?

Littleville Fair, MA

I never think of the East Coast when thinking of fairs, but Chester, MA is going to have a fun-filled, traditional fair on their hands.  With Kids Water Slides and Bounce House, an Exhibit Hall, Horse & Oxen Draws, Truck Pulls, Dairy & Beef Cattle Shows, Adult & Youth Sheep Show, a Petting Zoo with Pony Rides, Horse Drawn Wagon Rides, Live Bands, a Magician, Clowns and Face Painting what else do you need a summer county fair?  You can participate in all these activities from August 6-8 and for a mere $6 and free parking.  See!

Midland County Fair, TX

And then there’s Texas.  Midland’s Fair will be hosting many activities including a tractor pull, a lamb & goat show (too much fun!), a creative arts competition, washers, horseshoes, games, rides, food, and a petting zoo.  Now, I know we are in the 21st century when this is a county fair event: Video Game Competitions!  The sad part is that I know guys who would love it if we had this in Los Angeles.  But I don’t see that coming soon.  The fair will be held August 20-23 and the tickets are $5.  I guess L.A. isn’t the only place they charge.  But a “fiver” isn’t too bad.

I hope you head to a fair this summer and sincerely enjoy yourself.  See you at The Fair!